Adjustable Teak Wall Lamp by Kaiser Leuchten
By Kaiser Leuchten, Rupert Nikoll, J.T. Kalmar, Temde Leuchten, Adolf Loos
Located in München, DE
Charming adjustable wall lamp from the 1950s. Great and exceptionally minimalist design with a fantastically elegant appearance. Very beautiful pivoting teak arm. The lampshade creat...
Brass
Large Floral Ball Chandelier by Palwa
By Bakalowits & Söhne, Emil Stejnar, Palwa, J.T. Kalmar, Ernest Palme
Located in München, DE
Impressive floral ball chandelier from the 1960s. Extremely successful design and very high quality workmanship. The 170 floral crystals spread a spectacular play of light in the roo...
Metal
Crystal Glass Flush Light by Glashütte Limburg
By Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Gaetano Sciolari, J.T. Kalmar, Glashütte Limburg, Doria Leuchten Germany
Located in München, DE
Very nice ceiling lamp from the Glashütte Limburg. The lamp makes a great play of light in the room and enchants through its charisma. Wonderful design and very high -quality workman...
Metal
Adjustable Art Deco Brass Table Lamp
By Wiener Werkstätte, Rupert Nikoll, Adolf Loos, J.T. Kalmar, Temde Leuchten
Located in München, DE
Wonderful table lamp from the 1920s. Great and unusual design with a fantastically elegant appearance. The wild silk lampshade creates a very cozy atmosphere. The acrylic glass cover...
Brass
Large Raffia Bast and Teak Pendant Lamp from Temde
By Ib Fabiansen, J.T. Kalmar, Temde Leuchten, Fog and Morup, Rupert Nikoll
Located in München, DE
Exceptionally beautiful and large pendant lamp from the 1960s. The design is very unusual. The shape and the materials create a warm and very pleasant light. The teak details are ...
Metal
Set of 2 Brass Wall Lamps by Rupert Nikoll
By Bakalowits & Söhne, Emil Stejnar, J.T. Kalmar, Rupert Nikoll, Ernest Palme
Located in München, DE
Very beautiful wall lamps from the 1950s. Very elegant and classic shape. Wonderful design and excellent craftsmanship. Very rare. Creates a cozy light. Manufacturer: Rupert Nikoll ...
Metal
Dandelion Chandelier by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll
By Bakalowits & Söhne, Emil Stejnar, J.T. Kalmar, Rupert Nikoll, Ernest Palme
Located in München, DE
Wonderful chandelier from the 1950s. The lamp with its lavishly decorated flowers and brass details has a very luxurious look and sparkles particularly beautifully. The design and th...
Metal
Adjustable Jo-Jo Pendant Lamp by Florian Schulz
By Frank Josef, Vereinigte Werkstätten München, Florian Schulz, Adolf Loos, J.T. Kalmar
Located in München, DE
Beautiful brass Jo-Jo pendant lamp from the 1970s. The lamp's lighting effect is exceptionally beautiful. The design and the unique lampshade create a very elegant and pleasant light...
Brass
Emil Stejnar Backlit Mirror, Rupert Nikoll, Brass Glass White Metal, 1950s
By Vereinigte Werkstätten München, Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar, Stilnovo, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A round wall mirror with illuminated background designed by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, Austria, manufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1960 (late 1950s or early 1960s). The mirror c...
Metal
Sisal and Teak Pendant Lamp by Temde
By Rupert Nikoll, Temde Leuchten, Ib Fabiansen, Fog & Mørup, J.T. Kalmar
Located in München, DE
Exceptionally beautiful and very rare pendant lamp from the 1960s. The design was very unusual. The shape and the materials create a warm and very pleasant light. Particularly beauti...
Raffia, Plastic, Teak
Floor lamp by Georges Frydman for Temde
By Temde Leuchten, Georges Frydman, J.T. Kalmar, Rupert Nikoll, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in München, DE
Exceptionally beautiful and very rare architect's floor lamp from the 1960s. The design is very unusual. The shape and the materials create a warm and very pleasant light. Design: G...
Metal
Adjustable Wicker and Teak Pendant Lamp
By J.T. Kalmar, Temde Leuchten, Rupert Nikoll, Jean Rispal, Ib Fabiansen
Located in München, DE
Beautiful height-adjustable lamp from the 1950s. Great and unusual design with a fantastically comfortable look. Very nice teak details and high-quality workmanship. A spectacular pl...
Wicker, Teak
Teakwood and Raffia Bast Cascading Lamp by Jean Rispal
By Temde Leuchten, J.T. Kalmar, Fog and Morup, Rupert Nikoll, Jean Rispal
Located in München, DE
Beautiful lamp from the 1960s. Great and unusual design with a fantastically comfortable look. Very nice teak details and high-quality workmanship. A spectacular play of light is cre...
Raffia, Teak
Danish Sisal and Teak Floor or Table Lamp by Ib Fabiansen for Fog and Morup
By Ib Fabiansen, Rupert Nikoll, Temde Leuchten, Fog & Mørup, J.T. Kalmar
Located in München, DE
Exceptionally beautiful and very rare table or floor lamp from the 1960s. The design is very unusual. The shape and materials create a warm and very pleasant light. Condition: Very...
Raffia, Teak
Sisal and Teak Floor Lamp by Temde
By Fog & Mørup, J.T. Kalmar, Temde Leuchten, Rupert Nikoll, Ib Fabiansen
Located in München, DE
Exceptionally beautiful and very rare floor lamp from the 1960s. The design was very unusual. The shape and the materials create a warm and very pleasant light. Condition: Very goo...
Raffia, Teak
Sisal and Teak Table Lamp by Temde
By Fog & Mørup, J.T. Kalmar, Rupert Nikoll, Ib Fabiansen, Temde Leuchten
Located in München, DE
Exceptionally beautiful and very rare table lamp from the 1960s. The design is very unusual. The shape and materials create a warm and very pleasant light. Condition: Very good vin...
Copper
XL Wave Pendant Lamp by Koch and Lowy for Peill and Putzler
By Koch & Lowy, J.T. Kalmar, Aloys F. Gangkofner, Wilhelm Wagenfeld, Peill & Putzler
Located in München, DE
Exceptionally beautiful and large smoked glass pendant lamp from the 1960s. The design and materials create a fantastic play of light in the room. Very high-quality workmanship and a...
Metal
Adjustable Pendant with Counterweight by Vereinigte Werkstätten München
By Adolf Loos, Vereinigte Werkstätten München, J.T. Kalmar, Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in München, DE
Very rare height-adjustable pendant lamp from the 1950s. High-quality materials such as silk, brass, and crystal glass make this lamp a unique design object. It creates a very cozy l...
Brass
$1,164
Brass Table Lamp
By Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Rupert Nikoll, Cosack Leuchten, J.T. Kalmar, Stilnovo
Located in München, DE
Very nice table lamp from the 1950s. Fantastic mid-century design. The combination of high-quality workmanship and loving details is an enrichment for every home. The holes in the la...
Brass
Large Brass Chandelier by Rupert Nikoll
By Adolf Loos, Rupert Nikoll, J.T. Kalmar, Wiener Werkstätte, Vereinigte Werkstätten München
Located in München, DE
Stunningly beautiful and large chandelier from the 1950s. Lovingly designed by Rupert Nikoll. It creates a very cozy light. The integrated switch allows you to turn off half of the l...
Brass
Brass Chandelier by Rupert Nikoll
By Rupert Nikoll, J.T. Kalmar, Wiener Werkstätte, Emil Stejnar, Vereinigte Werkstätten München
Located in München, DE
Breathtingly beautiful chandelier from the 1950s. Loving design by Rupert Nikoll. There is a very cozy light. Manufacturer: Rupert Nikoll Condition: Very good vintage condition wi...
Silk
Space Age Flush Chandelier by Temde
By Rupert Nikoll, Max Bill, Hans-Agne Jakobsson, J.T. Kalmar, Temde Leuchten
Located in München, DE
Extremely beautiful Space Age ceiling lamp from the 1960s. The 8 mirrored lampshades spread a sparkling light. The lamp is very high quality. Very contemporary design with a fantasti...
Metal
Large Adjustable Brass Wall Lamp
By Temde Leuchten, J.T. Kalmar, Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Kaiser Leuchten, Rupert Nikoll
Located in München, DE
Large adjustable wall lamp from the 1950s. Great and exceptionally minimalist design with a fantastically elegant look. Very nice brass construction that can be extended for a very ...
Brass
Adjustable Pleated Wall Lamp by Kaiser Leuchten
By Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Temde Leuchten, J.T. Kalmar, Kaiser Leuchten, Rupert Nikoll
Located in München, DE
Charming adjustable wall lamp from the 1950s. Great and exceptionally minimalist design with a fantastically elegant look. Very nice swivel teak arm. The pleated lampshade creates a ...
Brass
Large Sputnik Gemini Flush Lamp by Gebrüder Cosack
By Gaetano Sciolari, Robert and Trix Haussmann, Cosack Leuchten, J.T. Kalmar, Harvey Guzzini
Located in München, DE
A very impressive Sputnik ceiling lamp from the 1970s. Exceptional design and very high-quality workmanship. The lamp is a highlight for any room. Manufacturer: Gebrüder Cosack Mode...
Metal
Sputnik Gemini Flush Lamp by Gebrüder Cosack
By Gaetano Sciolari, Cosack Leuchten, Robert and Trix Haussmann, J.T. Kalmar, Harvey Guzzini
Located in München, DE
A very impressive Sputnik ceiling lamp from the 1970s. Exceptional design and very high-quality workmanship. The lamp is a highlight for any room. Manufacturer: Gebrüder Cosack Mode...
Metal
XL Wave Wall Lamp or Flush Light by Koch and Lowy for Peill and Putzler
By Wilhelm Wagenfeld, Peill & Putzler, J.T. Kalmar, Aloys F. Gangkofner, Koch & Lowy
Located in München, DE
Exceptionally beautiful and large wall lamp or ceiling lamp from the 1960s. The design and materials create a fantastic play of light in the room. Very high-quality workmanship and a...
Metal
Teak and Wicker Wall Lamp
By Uno & Östen Kristiansson, Jean Rispal, Ib Fabiansen, J.T. Kalmar, Temde Leuchten
Located in München, DE
Wonderful Danish teak wall lamp from the 1960s. Great and exceptional design with a fantastically elegant look. The rattan lampshade creates a very cozy atmosphere and a spectacular ...
Wicker, Teak
Amazing Golden Sputnik Wall or Flush Lamp by Cosack
By J.T. Kalmar, Robert and Trix Haussmann, Gaetano Sciolari, Harvey Guzzini, Cosack Leuchten
Located in München, DE
Very rare Sputnik wall or ceiling lamp from the 1960s. Very high-quality and solid workmanship. An asset to any home. The design creates an exciting fiery play of light. Manufacture...
Metal
Set of 2 Amazing Golden Sputnik Wall or Flush Lamps by Cosack
By Cosack Leuchten, J.T. Kalmar, Harvey Guzzini, Gaetano Sciolari, Robert and Trix Haussmann
Located in München, DE
Very rare Sputnik wall or ceiling lamps from the 1960s. Very high-quality and solid workmanship. An asset to any home. The design creates an exciting fiery play of light. Manufactur...
Metal
Adjustable Brass Pendant Lamp with Counterweight
By Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Florian Schulz, Fog and Morup, Temde Leuchten, J.T. Kalmar
Located in München, DE
Very rare height-adjustable pendant lamp from the 1950s. Very elegant design and high-quality workmanship. It creates a very comfortable light and a beautiful play of light through t...
Brass
$855 / item
Donut wall or ceiling lamp by Doria
By Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Glashütte Limburg, Helena Tynell, Doria Leuchten Germany, J.T. Kalmar
Located in München, DE
Stunning donut wall or ceiling lamp from the 1960s. The design creates a spectacular light. High quality. Manufacturer: Doria Condition: Very good vintage condition with slight si...
Metal
Peleguso Glass Pendant Lamp by Carlo Nason for Mazzega
By Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Mazzega, Carlo Nason, Doria Leuchten Germany, J.T. Kalmar
Located in München, DE
Very beautiful and large Murano glass ceiling lamp from the 1960s. The lamp is very elegant. The structure of the glasses creates a very sparkling light. Manufacturer: Mazzega Desig...
Metal
Bubble Glass Wall Lamp or Flush Light by Helena Tynell for Glashütte Limburg
By Doria Leuchten Germany, Helena Tynell, Glashütte Limburg, J.T. Kalmar, Hans-Agne Jakobsson
Located in München, DE
Exceptionally large and beautiful bubble wall or ceiling lamp from the 1960s. Fantastic design and high quality workmanship. The lamp impresses with its imposing size and the spectac...
Metal
Adjustable Pleating, Brass and Oak Sconce
By Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Fog and Morup, Rupert Nikoll, Temde Leuchten, J.T. Kalmar
Located in München, DE
Wonderful pleated wall lamp from the 1950s. Great and exceptionally minimalist design with a fantastically elegant look. Very nice swivel arm made of oak wood. The lampshade creates ...
Brass
Adjustable Brass and Wicker Arc Sconce
By Florian Schulz, Fog and Morup, Hans-Agne Jakobsson, J.T. Kalmar, Temde Leuchten
Located in München, DE
Wonderful arch wall lamp from the 1960s. Great and exceptionally minimalist design with a fantastically elegant look. Very nice swivel brass arm. The lampshade creates a spectacular ...
Brass
Lamp by Trix und Robert Hausmann for Swiss Lamps International
By Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Gaetano Sciolari, Robert and Trix Haussmann, Swiss Lamps International, Kalmar Lighting
Located in München, DE
Very impressive Sputnik wall or ceiling lamp from the 1960s. Exceptional design and very high-quality workmanship. The lamp is a highlight for every room. The smoky gold finish is ra...
Metal
Space Age Sputnik Chandelier by Cosack
By Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Robert and Trix Haussmann, Cosack Leuchten, J.T. Kalmar, Gaetano Sciolari
Located in München, DE
Very rare Sputnik chandelier from the 1960s. Very high quality and massive workmanship. An enrichment for every home. The design creates an excitingly fiery play of light. Manufactu...
Metal
Josef Frank, wall lamp model 2335
By Josef Frank
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
Rare wall lamp by Josef Frank for Kalmar Vienna. Designed around 1930; manufactured around 1950.
Brass
Ingvar Hildingsson, Stool, Oak, Sweden, 1960s
By Ingvar Hildingsson
Located in High Point, NC
A sculptural solid oak stool designed Ingvar Hildingsson, Kalmar Läns Slöjdare IH Slöjd Rugstorp, Sweden, 1960s.
Oak
Pair Italian Mid-Century Modern Hand Blown Murano Ice Glass Sconces by Mazzega
By AVMazzega
Located in New York, NY
Additional References: Scandinavian, Finnish, Danish and Swedish Design, J. T. Kalmar, Tapio Wirkkala, Arne Jacobsen, Venetian Glass, Venini, Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand.
Brass
Mid century Modern Bubble Globe Sputnik Chandelier, 1960
Located in New York City, NY
Can be used in a hallway, foyer, bar area, kitchen, over a kitchen island, lobby, bedroom, boudoir, dressing room, bedroom, bathroom, entry, hallway, closet, child's room, walkway, o...
Nickel
1960 Mid Century Five-Tier Chandelier 'Triedi' Amber Murano Glass Prisms
Located in Niederdorfelden, Hessen
Manufactured in Vienna, Austria in the 1960s. Design: J.T. Kalmar. Style: Mid Century, Modernism.
Brass, Nickel, Chrome
Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.
ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.
Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.
Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.
Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.
Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.
The right table lamp, outwardly sculptural chandelier or understated wall pendant can work wonders for your home. While we’re indebted to thinkers like Thomas Edison for critically important advancements in lighting and electricity, we’re still finding new ways to customize illumination to fit our personal spaces all these years later. A wide range of antique and vintage lighting can be found on 1stDibs.
Today, lighting designers like the self-taught Bec Brittain have used the flexible structure of LEDs to craft glamorous solutions by working with what is typically considered a harsh lighting source. By integrating glass and mirrors, reflection can be used to soften the glow from LEDs and warmly welcome light into any space.
Although contemporary innovators continue to impress, some of the classics can’t be beat.
Just as gazing at the stars allows you to glimpse the universe’s past, vintage chandeliers like those designed by Gino Sarfatti and J. & L. Lobmeyr, for example, put on a similarly stunning show, each with a rich story to tell.
As dazzling as it is, the Arco lamp, on the other hand, prioritizes functionality — it’s wholly mobile, no drilling required. Designed in 1962 by architect-product designers Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, the piece takes the traditional form of a streetlamp and creates an elegant, arching floor fixture for at-home use.
There is no shortage of modernist lighting similarly prized by collectors and casual enthusiasts alike — there are Art Deco table lamps created in a universally appreciated style, the Tripod floor lamp by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Greta Magnusson Grossman's sleek and minimalist Grasshopper lamps and, of course, the wealth of mid-century experimental lighting that emerged from Italian artisans at Arredoluce, FLOS and many more are hallmarks in illumination innovation.
With decades of design evolution behind it, home lighting is no longer just practical. Crystalline shaping by designers like Gabriel Scott turns every lighting apparatus into a luxury accessory. A new installation doesn’t merely showcase a space; carefully chosen ceiling lights, table lamps and floor lamps can create a mood, spotlight a favorite piece or highlight your unique personality.
The sparkle that your space has been missing is waiting for you amid the growing collection of antique, vintage and contemporary lighting for sale on 1stDibs.
The alluring pendant light exemplifies the designer’s winsome mid-career work.
Patrizio Chiarparini of Brooklyn’s Duplex gallery sheds light on the lasting legacy of Italy’s postwar furniture boom.
There are many lessons to be learned from the lofts, apartments and townhouses of architects and decorators in Manhattan and beyond.
Having created extravagant homes for reality TV’s biggest stars, the designer is stepping into the spotlight with his first book.
The Louisiana-born and -bred architect talks to 1stdibs about the art of making timeless places that matter.
The Palm Springs interior decorator developed a mid-century style that defined the vacation homes of celebrities and other notables, including Bob Hope and Lucille Ball.
The houses from this New York studio cloak modernist tendencies within what are often more traditional trappings.
In the market for a fantastic fixture from the 1940s, ’50s or ’60s? Here are some names to know.